Criminal Law Update

Dominique Strauss-Kahn sexual assault case is falling apart for the Government

Strauss-Kahn is the former IMF leader (and French future presidential candidate) who was charged with attempting to rape a maid in his $3,000 per night hotel suite in New York City on May 14,2011.

According to numerous published reports, the sexual assault case against the former IMF leader is very near collapse. There will be a court hearing today, July 1, to determine whether there will be a change in Strauss-Kahn’s bond as he is presently on house arrest in New York. It is also possible that the charges could be dismissed.

Numerous new revelations about his alleged accuser have surfaced that will make it nearly impossible for the Prosecution to move ahead with a case.

Some noted revelations:

When the accuser came to the United States for Guinea, she alleged that she had been raped in her native country on her political asylum application. She has since admitted that this was a lie.

Prosecutors have discovered possible links between the accuser and criminal activities which include money laundering and drug dealing.

The accuser had a recorded telephone conversation with an incarcerated man where she discussed the potential benefits of bringing a case against Strauss-Kahn.

Over the past two years, the incarcerated man, as well as numerous other individuals, have deposited over $100,000 into the accuser’s bank account.

It appears that it will be very likely that this case will be ultimately be dismissed. It is certainly headed in that direction.

UPDATE: Strauss-Kahn was released from house arrest today. He is now free to come and go as he pleases in New York and his $6 million dollar bond has been returned. As of now, he will not be returned his passport to allow international travel back to France.

Defense Rests in Casey Anthony Trial, will not call her to the stand

The defense finished their case in the Casey Anthony trial without calling the her as a witness. Earlier in the week, the defense asked to have Ms. Anthony evaluated for competency. This may or may not have been due to a desire by her to testify. After reviewing the evaluating doctor’s reports, the Judge found Ms. Anthony to be competent and the trial continued.

There are certainly times where it is a good idea for a defendant to testify on their own behalf. This case definitely is not one of those times. Casey Anthony has told far too many outrageous stories since this investigation began to risk putting her on the stand. The prosecution would likely have destroyed any credibility Ms. Anthony has left if she had taken the stand.

The prosecution will put on a brief rebuttal case today and closing arguments could begin as early as Saturday.